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EXTRACTION OF TEETH. 361

up on the root, or between it and the alveolus, if need
be, the screw serving to sustain the root under the
pressure of the forceps. The attachment of the root
is broken by a rotary, or an inward and outward move-

ment, as the case may require.
Superior Cuspids.—For the removal of these teeth,
the central incisor or the bicuspid forceps may be
used ; though usually, the beaks of the former are too
thin, and those of the latter, too narrow. The for-
ceps appropriate for the removal of these teeth, have
broad, deep, concave beaks, so as to embrace the tooth

as completely as possible ; and they are thick, so as
to possess sufficient strength. The gum being sepa-
rated, and the forceps adjusted on the tooth, the at-
tachment is broken up, either by an inward and out-
ward, or by a rotary movement ; the former will be
far more frequently brought into requisition, since
these teeth are generally so firmly attached that
they can not be loosened by the latter ; but the skill-
ful and experienced operator will often combine the
two, with the happiest effect. These teeth have

larger roots than any others in the mouth, and the
alveolar process, especially the outer plate, closely in-
vests them ; and thus they are very firmly fixed in
the sockets, and are also more frequently found curved
than the roots of the incisors. Often, in extraction
of the cuspids, a portion of the outer wall of the aire-